Things Fall Apart Research Paper

Chinua Achebe has introduced readers and new generations to pre-colonial Nigeria with his novel. Many ideas and topics are explained and revealed within Things Fall Apart. The novel is centered around the life and downfall of Okonkwo who resides in a pre-colonial Nigerian village. Throughout the story, themes of culture, interactions, politics, economies, and social life are presented to the reader. Eventually, these themes are destroyed by British colonizers (Dempsey). Okonkwo is torn apart with the colonial invasion and his true identity. The whole society falls apart, eventually destroying the Igbo culture. Achebe’s novel is a very different look on African culture contrasting from the European’s vision of Africa. Africa is not taught as

Okonkwo’s masculinity has blinded him to a point where he represses his femininity. This struggle leads to many problems, and eventually to the death of Okonkwo. Bennett explains, “Because of his contempt for unmanliness, he rudely insults Osugo, destroys his relationship with his own son Nwoye, and lets himself be pressured into sacrificing Ikemefuna in spite of Ezeudu's warning”. Also, Okonkwo disrespects women in many ways. “He ignores the wisdom found in women's stories, he frequently intimidates and beats his wives, and he can only relate to his daughter Ezinma because he thinks of her as a boy” (Bennett). Eventually, Okonkwo only acknowledges the masculine part of his life and society, and disregards the feminine

In Umuofia, a man must build his way up to wealth to be respected. Okonkwo started off with nothing living in a poor family. His dad was lazy, therefore he was not respected or wealthy; however, Okonkwo worked extremely hard to earn his respect amongst the village. “So Okonkwo's prosperity as a titled man of fame is seen in his "stacks of yams," sheds for goats and hens he kept in his compound” (Anyanwu). Elders are respected in this society only because they have experienced more life and are wise.

Importance of Proverbs. Achebe uses a multitude of proverbs in Things Fall Apart. Anyanwu explains, “Achebe uses proverbs to bring out the native's belief in superstition and the normal cycle of life”. Each proverb reveals some information of the culture of the Igbo. Some proverbs reveal the rituals and celebrations that the Igbo performed. Other proverbs told stories of customs and relationships in the society.

Gender Roles. In Things Fall Apart, men are the dominant being in the social structure of Umuofia. To expand on that, “Umuofia is a male dominated society, and the narrative reflects this aspect of the culture” (Quayson). Women did house chores, and men took care of the farming. However, Okonkwo emphasizes this social system belief. He beats his wives, and is unsatisfied of his son due to his likings of “women books”. Quayson said “At another time it is Ekwefi who is to suffer the brunt of her husband's violent